NBA Playoff Race Heats Up as Regular Season Nears End
With less than two months remaining in the 2023-24 NBA regular season post-All-Star Weekend, teams are focusing on their playoff goals. The stakes are getting higher each night.
Eastern Conference
The Cleveland Cavaliers are making a strong push to secure the second spot in the standings, trailing the dominant Boston Celtics. Meanwhile, in the Western Conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder are battling for the top seed, with the Denver Nuggets and LA Clippers not far behind.
Post-All-Star Break Momentum
Did the break provide teams with enough time to rest and prepare for the final push? Will some teams struggle with a second-half slump? The annual race to the bottom is also on the horizon, making it crucial to keep a close watch on the evolving NBA Power Rankings.
Note: Throughout the regular season, our panel ranks all 30 teams from top to bottom, assessing their performance and title contention status.
Current Top Teams
1. Boston Celtics
2023-24 record: 46-12
The Celtics are on pace for a historic season, aiming for their 18th championship banner in the TD Garden rafters.
2. Oklahoma City Thunder
2023-24 record: 41-17
Rookie Chet Holmgren’s impressive performance has been a key factor in the Thunder’s success this season.
3. Denver Nuggets
2023-24 record: 39-19
Nikola Jokic’s stellar post-break performance has propelled the Nuggets to a three-game winning streak.
4. Minnesota Timberwolves
2023-24 record: 41-17
The Timberwolves’ strong defense has helped them maintain their position at the top of the Western Conference.
5. LA Clippers
2023-24 record: 37-19
Inconsistency has plagued the Clippers since their return from a road trip, impacting their performance.
6. Milwaukee Bucks
2023-24 record: 38-21
The Bucks have shown defensive improvement under coach Doc Rivers, securing crucial wins post-All-Star Weekend.
7. Cleveland Cavaliers
2023-24 record: 38-19
Jarrett Allen’s offensive contributions have been vital in the Cavaliers’ climb to the second spot in the East.
8. New York Knicks
2023-24 record: 35-24
Injuries have challenged the Knicks, highlighting the need for key players to return for a strong playoff push.
9. Phoenix Suns
2023-24 record: 34-24
Grayson Allen’s emergence has been a bright spot for the Suns, especially in the absence of Bradley Beal.
10. Dallas Mavericks
2023-24 record: 33-25
Luka Doncic’s scoring prowess continues to drive the Mavericks, who are in a tight battle for playoff positioning.
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Atlanta Hawks
Since becoming teammates last season, Murray has excelled without Young, averaging 25.7 points, 8.6 assists, and 5.9 rebounds. The Hawks, fighting for a play-in spot, are 6-7 in those games, including a 3-3 mark this season.
Houston Rockets
Jabari Smith Jr., one of the Rockets’ top draft picks, made history as the youngest player with back-to-back 20-point, 15-rebound games. The Rockets are ninth in the lottery standings, needing a top-four pick to keep their own selection.
Toronto Raptors
Despite a tough season, the Raptors have revived their hopes with three consecutive wins. Trae Young’s injury has given Toronto a chance to close the gap on the Hawks, providing motivation for the remaining games.
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn has faced challenges with recent coaching changes and a string of losses. The team’s struggle for a competitive spot in the East continues, with significant improvements needed to secure a play-in position.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies, struggling offensively, have faced a tough stretch of losses. Desmond Bane’s absence has impacted their scoring, with the team needing to regroup and improve their offensive performance.
Charlotte Hornets
Despite injuries to key players, the Hornets have shown resilience with recent wins. Acquisitions and strong performances have boosted the team, providing hope for a better season finish.
Portland Trail Blazers
Portland is on an eight-game losing streak, struggling to find consistency. Deandre Ayton’s performances stand out, but the team needs collective efforts to make progress in the league.
San Antonio Spurs
Victor Wembanyama’s impressive rookie season has been marked by notable achievements. The young player’s defensive prowess and scoring ability are setting him on a path to join elite company in the league.
Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham’s individual success hasn’t translated to team wins for the Pistons. Despite challenges, the team aims to regroup and improve their performance in upcoming games.
Washington Wizards
Washington has made changes post-All-Star break to boost team performance. With injuries affecting key players, the Wizards look to Jordan Poole for offensive support and leadership on the court.